Dedicated to the Medical Professionals Who Saved my Life

Posted on by Fredrik Bodin

FirstSteps4770

Yesterday I took my first short walk with no support other than my legs. Occupational therapist Shelly came over, I handed her my camera, and told her I was going to walk. Well, I did, after seven and a half months of grave illness and much therapy. I traveled 21 steps, and I call that a winner – Blackjack!

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Published by Fredrik Bodin

Fred Bodin is a photographer who owns a gallery on Main Street in downtown Gloucester, MA. The gallery features Fred's land and seascapes, as well as historic images printed from the old negatives.

22 thoughts on “Dedicated to the Medical Professionals Who Saved my Life”

  12. That is wonderful news and inspiring! Gonna keep you in mind on my bad days and then get my butt in gear and put a smile on my face! (I have an incurable, painful disease.) Thanks for sharing your journey. 😀

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    1. I’ll probably be with cancer for the rest of my life, but that could be a while. Your comment makes me realize the value of my cancer posts. If you smile and get your ass in gear, I’ve accomplished something very worthwhile. Thank you ggirlforevah.

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  17. The fabric device around my waist is a “gait belt.” It’s used around a patient’s waist during transfers (from bed to wheelchair, for example), or any situation where help may be needed from a trained aide to prevent a fall. Although I was told I don’t need one any more, I thought it prudent to wear one for my first walk. I asked trusted VNA OT Shelly to stay close (but not touch the belt or me) as I ventured out to the white chair (R), and if I did well, back away and take the photo. I’ll use it again for the next stroll. Think of it as kind of a seat belt in a car: You don’t need it until something unexpected happens or you do something dumb. In rehab, both in nursing homes and in my own home, I’m very, very careful. Falls will set your recovery back, or worse, send you back to the hospital. Trust me, I learned the hard way, from the unforgiving concrete floors.

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  18. This is great news Fred -I remember a native saying about small steps offering big rewards and everything in fours; four seasons, four directions. Fortunes of time come with each step! Well Done! 🙂 Dave & Kim:-)

    To reach a port we must set sail – Sail, not tie at anchor Sail, not drift.”
    Franklin D. Roosevelt

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